Local MP visits Swanley Detachment
21.09.11
Michael Fallon, Member of Parliament for Sevenoaks recently visited the Royal Artillery affiliated, Swanley Detachment KACF (part of the Kent Squadron Royal Engineers) on one of their parade nights.
Mr Fallon MP observed the cadets on parade and watched drill and turnout (with four new recruits joining the detachment). The adult instructors also gave the cadets map and compass and fieldcraft training.
Mr Fallon MP was kind enough to present two cadets with their star level certificates. Cadet Sergeant Jack Hutchins, aged 18, was presented with his 3 star badge and Cadet Lance Bombardier Joshua Bradley, aged 15, was awarded his 1 star badge.
Cadet Lance Bombardier Bradley has been in the cadets for two years and had the opportunity to tell Mr Fallon all about his experiences:
“I really enjoy coming to cadets and it was great to meet an MP, I haven’t met an MP before, let alone had the opportunity to speak to one! I would encourage any young people interested in joining the cadets to come along and find out more, it is a great hobby which gives young people something to do and it also keeps us off of the streets.
I have increased in confidence and made lots of new friends; I really enjoy the weekends away and am really proud to have gained my first star level”.
Mr Fallon MP was encouraged by what he saw:
“I am proud to have Swanley detachment fall under my constituency, it is such a contrast to see young people so motivated and disciplined after the civil unrest over the summer. The ACF really is a shining example of a youth organisation committed to turning better citizens out into society. The cadets and adults were very well turned out and training hard, the four new recruits were certainly being put through their paces! I would like to congratulate the two cadets on passing their awards – I am very proud of all of those involved”.